Alex Williams serves as the Director of Professional Relations with Embark Behavioral Health, an organization providing mental health services to adolescents and their families through a full continuum of mental health care. She works with therapeutic, educational, and community professionals to assist in resource connection, clinical assessments, and mental health education to ensure adolescents and families can thrive with the right resources. She has a passion for making sure everyone has access to the care they need, no matter what their situation. Outside of work, you can catch Alex whipping up recipes at home, exploring new cuisines, or escaping to the mountains to reconnect with nature.

Jennifer is originally from Herndon, Virginia. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where she got her Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.). During her undergrad, she worked with the disability community, HUD-subsidized housing communities, and non-profit work in the mental health sector. After being exposed to the inequalities, injustices, and unjust barriers those individuals faced, she went on to get her Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) with a concentration in administration, planning, and policy practice. She wanted to use her passion of empowering individuals but also saw a great need for systemic change in the world. She joined the Ryan Bartel Foundation because she became passionate about mental health due to her lived experiences. She also realized how mental health affects all aspects of someones life, yet it has been one of the most neglected subjects for centuries. Jennifer said, “change is not an easy nor a fast process. Before advocating for our needs, we must address our own biases instilled in us our entire lives. Non-profit work is not a quick fix but a crucial part in the equation for systemic change.”

Tori Klier is a Loudoun County Public Schools teacher currently teaching 4th grade. She has been working with students for 13 years in a variety of settings including summer camps, classrooms, tutoring, and mentoring. Tori graduated from James Madison University as an undergrad in 2017 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with a concentration in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Mathematics. She also earned an Honors Emphasis in Creativity and a minor in Special Education. In 2019, she earned her Masters in Elementary Education also from James Madison University while engaging in the Harrisonburg community as a tutor and mentor for Tanzanian refugee children. 

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Tori has managed  her own anxiety and depression since high school using mindfulness and lifestyle practices. She hopes to be able to share her story with others to inspire them to take positive steps in their life. While teaching second grade, Tori has implemented a new social emotional learning curriculum in her classroom focusing on emotion management, mindfulness, problem solving and strategies for success.  While not teaching and working with students to live their best lives, Tori enjoys being active and staying outside as a runner and a hiker. Tori also loves spending time painting, reading, and playing with her dog, Juno.